(2.) This grace is the glory of Christ, because it is that which in- clines the heart of Jesus Christ unto all that goodness and kindness that he hath showed unto us. Whence was it that Jesus Christ loved us so as to lay down his life for us? whence does he continue to have compassion on us, even when we were ignorant, and wandered out of the way ? It is from that abounding, unspeakable, heavenly love that was in his heart and soul, that inclined him to it. The more grace we have, the more we have of love, compassion, and de- light in doing the will of God. But there was that abundance in Christ that inclined him to do all this good for us, — to live, to die, to intercede for us. This makes Christ very beautiful and glorious to the eye of faith.
(3.) It is the glory of Christ, as he is tne great example and pattern, whereunto we ought to labour after a conformity. When we had lost all, and wandered up and down, it was not enough that we should have a rule set us, but we must, moreover, have a pattern to follow ; we must be like unto Christ. And there is an unconquerable desire implanted in the heart of every believer in the world to be like unto Jesus Christ; because God hath, in the way of an ordinance, appointed him to be our pattern. And we are but trifling Christians, and a dishonour to our profession, if we make not this the design of our
484 THE EXCELLENCY OF CHRIST.
souls continually, — that we may be in the world as Christ was, — that the same mind may be in us that was in him, Phil. ii. 5 ; the same meekness, humility, self-denial, faith, love, patience, that was in him. To close in a way of use ; — if this internal grace and holiness was that wherein Christ was fairer than the children of men, because grace was poured into his lips; then,—
1. Let us learn to esteem, it above all other things. That which rendered Christ beautiful, will render us so: not in the eyes of the world; — no, it did not render Christ so to the world; the more he abounded in grace, the more they despised him; — but it renders us beautiful in the sight of God and all the holy angels, and in the judgment of all believers upon earth. If we be but like unto Christ in any measure, it will render us fair, beautiful, desirable in the eyes of all that have eyes to see and hearts to discern it.
2. Let us not value so much the lustre, the splendour, and glory that earthly men have in earthly things, — in their riches, power, honour, and the like. How apt are we to fret ourselves sometimes at the thoughts of these things ; and think they have a peculiar happiness, — that they are so great and glorious as they appear and make a show of! But God knows there is nothing in them but what is the object of his contempt, and of all the saints and angels, and will be so to all eternity.
SERMON IX.1
" Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most Mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty." — Ps. xlv. 3.
In the 2d verse we have a description of the person of Christ, and of the ground of God's blessing and accepting of him in his work, the psalm having a double design ; — first, To show the glory of Christ in his kingly office; secondly, To show the mutual love that is be- tween Christ and his church.
This 3d verse sets forth his entering upon the first part of his work, and is spoken by the way of encouragement unto Christ, in the name of God the Father, to undertake his office, and to go through with it. " Gird thy sword," saith he, " upon thy thigh, 0 most Mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty."
There are three things in the words : — I. The work that is proposed unto Jesus Christ, or rather his preparation for his work : " Gird thy 1 This sermon was preached at Stadham, June 21, 1674.
THE EXCELLENCY OF CHRIST. 485
sword upon thy thigh.'" II. The manner how he should go through this work : " With thy glory and thy majesty." And (that which I shall particularly enlarge on) III. The appellation that is here given to Christ ; which is, " Most Mighty." He is most mighty in the exe- cution of his office which he is exalted unto : —
I. We have Christ's preparation for his work : " Gird thy sword on thy thigh." Consider two things: — 1. What is the sword of Christ. 2. What is meant by girding this sword upon his thigh.
1. The sword of Christ is the word of God ; so it is called, " The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God," Eph. vi. 1 7. The Spirit being the great immediate agent whereby Christ administers his kingdom, that which is the sword of the Spirit is the sword of Christ: and therefore, where Christ is described in his kingdom, it is said that " he hath a sword proceeding out of his mouth," Rev. i. 1 6 ; which, in another place, is called " The rod of his mouth," Isa. xi. 4. It is the word of God, the great instrument of Christ in managing of his kingdom, that is called here his sword.